London for a Weekend as a First Time Visitor | Spots for A First-Timer’s Itinerary

When I first planned a weekend in London, I thought I knew the obvious sights: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge. What I didn’t expect was that one of my favorite discoveries would be on the water - the Uber Boat, London’s public transportation by river. A friend who lives in London told me about it, and it completely changed the way I explored the city.

It made me think of Paris, which I knew had a boat service on the Seine. It should have been obvious that London, a historic port and once one of the world’s busiest trade hubs, would too. Gliding past the skyline felt like stepping back in time, seeing the city just as merchants and visitors once did.

Over just two and a half days, I managed to experience London’s most iconic sights, indulge in incredible food, uncover Harry Potter filming locations, and find quieter corners most tourists miss. Here’s how you can do the same.

Contains affiliate links

Is a Weekend in London Worth It for a First-Time Visitor?

Absolutely - as long as you plan smart. London packs centuries of history, world-class museums, and vibrant neighbourhoods into a compact, well-connected center.

Pros:

• Dense public transport system (tube, buses, boats).
• Iconic sights clustered in walkable areas.
• Variety of experiences: history, food, shopping, culture.
• A short trip of just a weekend costs less than a longer one.

Cons:

• Popular spots get crowded quickly.
• Costs can add up without planning.
• A weekend might be too short to see all you’d like to.

With smart booking and a well-paced itinerary, a weekend is enough to see the essentials and still leave room for spontaneous discoveries.

Best Places & Experiences for a Weekend in London

A weekend in London may feel short, but it is still enough time to see some of the city’s best highlights. With good planning, you can enjoy a mix of history, culture, food, and unique experiences. In this guide, you’ll find ideas to help you make the most of your trip and choose the places that suit you best.

Discover London by Water: The Uber Boat Experience

Back in history, the Thames was more than just a pretty backdrop - it was London’s lifeline for centuries. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is today’s version of that waterway connection. I stayed slightly outside the center in Battersea, where accommodation prices were noticeably lower, and my hotel was just steps from a pier with direct service to central London.

Tips for taking the boat:

• you can either book it through the Uber app.
• or pay with your card when boarding.
• if you ride from the south to the center, sit on the left for panoramic views over the Parliament when arriving in the Old Town. It’s an underrated way to sightsee while getting from point A to point B.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Cocktails with a View: SushiSamba at the 39th Floor

Instead of paying for a ticket to London’s tallest attraction, I went for a drink at SushiSamba. Located on the 39th floor, it offers sweeping views over the city - and the sushi is surprisingly good. 

You could just go for a cocktail, enjoy the skyline, and spend less than visiting the Shard.

Leadenhall Market: Harry Potter Magic & Historic Charm

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll recognize Leadenhall Market as part of Diagon Alley. But even if you’re not, its ornate Victorian roof and cobblestone alleys are worth the visit.

Dating back to the 14th century, it started as a meat and poultry market before transforming into one of London’s prettiest shopping spots. (And it's just 7 minutes away from SushiSamba!)

Buckingham Palace & St. James’s Park

If you’re visiting in summer, when the Royal Family is away, you can tour Buckingham Palace’s opulent State Rooms. It really is an incredible experience, no matter if you love the royal family or not.
You won't be able to take any pictures, though, but that makes it even more special.

Right in front of the Palace, lies St. James’s Park, once the palace’s royal garden and home to exotic animals gifted to the monarchy. Today, it’s the perfect place for a stroll, with resident pelicans and views of both the palace and Horse Guards Parade.

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

You can easily pair Buckingham Palace with Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

The Abbey is far more than a church - it’s a 1,000-year-old masterpiece that has hosted royal coronations, weddings, and funerals. Many of Britain’s most influential figures are buried here, from monarchs to scientists.

Personal tip: Book a guided tour. The included audio guide skips fascinating details. My favorite spot was the Lady Chapel with its intricate Henry VII vaulting - a breathtaking reminder of England’s craftsmanship.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Neighbourhoods Not to Miss

• Chelsea: This elegant neighbourhood feels like stepping into a postcard of London. It has broad, tree-lined streets flanked by stately red-brick townhouses with white-trimmed windows, boutique shops brimming with curated finds, and charming cafés perfect for a quiet breakfast or afternoon tea. It’s calmer than central tourist areas and ideal for soaking up a more local atmosphere.
  
  
  
  
  
• Soho: If Chelsea is serene, Soho is pure energy. By day, its narrow streets are packed with quirky coffee shops, record stores, and independent boutiques. By night, it transforms into one of London’s liveliest districts, with theaters, bars, and restaurants spilling over with people.
• Chinatown: Just around the corner from Leicester Square, London’s Chinatown bursts with color and aroma (...and smells). 
  
  
  
  
  
• Covent Garden: From Chinatown, it’s a short stroll to Neal’s Yard, which I consider London’s not-so-hidden hidden gem. This tiny square of rainbow-colored buildings has just two cafés but a whole lot of charm.
  
  A few steps from Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials Market it's a large indoor food hall with incredible choices. You’ll find everything from fragrant Indian curries to steaming bowls of Vietnamese pho, fresh sushi, juicy steak, and traditional English dishes. This is also where I discovered the best chai latte in London - rich, spiced, and unforgettable.
  
  Right outside the market’s entrance, you’ll spot Humble Crumble, a dessert stall so popular the queue often wraps around the block. I didn’t brave it this time, but its fame speaks for itself.

Tower of London

Home of the Crown Jewels, the Tower of London is both fortress and storybook. It has been here 1000 years ago and it still is!

I visited in the afternoon around 1 PM, and it was one of the best decisions of my trip - the morning crowds had thinned, and I was able to walk straight in without waiting.

Pre-booking your time slot online is essential, not only to save time but to ensure you get the date you want.

Powered by GetYourGuide

British Museum

I had dreamed of visiting the British Museum since reading my first encyclopedia. The ancient Egypt collection is as impressive as you imagine, and the ancient Greece section left me speechless.

Near the main entrance is a boutique selling high-quality souvenirs: gold jewellery, silk scarves, art prints. I bought a gold necklace engraved with a hieroglyph - a personal memento of the Egyptian gallery.

Essential tip: Entry is free, but book online in advance. Without a reservation, you could wait up to two or even three hours. Go to the main entry if you booked online and you can get in within 5 minutes. Otherwise, go to the back entrance on Montague Road to get in the line. 

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is one of London’s most beautiful spaces - and you can enter directly from the tube.

Entry is free, making it perfect for a quick visit or a slow afternoon exploring its art, design, and fashion collections. Don’t miss the stunning café, where you can enjoy an English tea surrounded by chandeliers and tiled walls

For a more formal experience, Kensington Palace nearby also offers a bookable afternoon tea in a royal setting.

An Evening at the Theatre or Cinema

London’s West End is world-famous for its theatre scene, and booking a musical here is a must if you want a truly memorable evening. From timeless classics like Les Misérables to newer hits like Hamilton, there’s something for every taste.

If you’re flexible on dates or titles, check the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted tickets - you might snag a great seat for a fraction of the price.

If musicals aren’t your style, step back in time with a visit to the Electric Cinema in Notting Hill. 

This century-old picture house is one of the UK’s oldest working cinemas and offers a plush, old-fashioned movie experience with leather armchairs, footstools, and even cashmere blankets. Order a glass of wine or some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the charm of cinema as it used to be.

Harry Potter Fans’ Bonus

Even without going inside, King’s Cross Station is worth a look. I would even say that the exterior IS the main raison that you should visit.

This train station has been around since 1852, when architect Lewis Cubitt gave London this grand yet practical station - all elegant arches out front and a huge train shed behind, built to impress Victorian travellers.

From here, you can walk 10 minutes to Euston Station and catch a train to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Tickets sell out quickly - book at least six weeks in advance.

Where to Eat & Drink in London

London’s food scene is as diverse as its people.

For something classic, try a traditional English pie in a local pub - flaky pastry, rich filling, and a pint of beer on the side.

Or treat yourself to a classic English afternoon tea with scones, sandwiches and cakes. 

For a global twist, London’s Indian food is among the best outside India, thanks to its vibrant South Asian community.

And don’t skip the street food markets, from Borough Market to Seven Dials, for quick and delicious bites.

Seasonal Considerations

• Summer: Long days, palace tours available, and plenty of outdoor events.
• Winter: Christmas lights, cozy pub evenings, festive markets by the Thames and crazy weather ! 
  Fun fact: many wealthy Victorians, especially English aristocrats, wintered in Nice, France - giving the Promenade des Anglais its name.
• Spring & Autumn: Mild weather, fewer crowds, great for walking tours.

Getting Around London

London’s transport network is vast. For a weekend trip, use:

• Tube & buses for quick point-to-point travel.
• Uber Boat for scenic journeys along the Thames.
• Citymapper and TfL Go apps for navigation.

Payment is easy: use an Oyster Card or just tap your contactless bank card when entering the tube and when getting out. On buses, it’s not necessary to do it when exiting. 

Budget & Costs for a Weekend in London

• Accommodation: £80-£150 per night in outer zones (like Battersea).
• Transport: £7-£15 per day. If you only stay within the central zone and use your card to pay, there is a limit of £8 spending / day, no matter how many times you use the transportation.
• Food: Pubs from £12, mid-range restaurants £25-40.
• Attractions: Many museums are free; others like the Tower of London cost £35.

Best Guided Tours & Experiences

• Tower of London guided tour.
• Westminster Abbey expert-led visit.
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
• Thames sightseeing cruise or even better, dinner cruise! (if you want more than the Uber Boat experience).

Powered by GetYourGuide

Sample Weekend Itineraries

2-Day Express Itinerary

• Day 1: Uber Boat to Westminster → Buckingham Palace → St. James’s Park → Leadenhall Market → SushiSamba for sunset.
• Day 2: Tower of London → Neal’s Yard & Seven Dials → British Museum.

3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Buckingham Palace → Westminster Abbey → Chelsea walk
• Day 2: Tower of London → Leadenhall Market → SushiSamba.
• Day 3: British Museum → Soho/Chinatown/Neal’s Yard  → Book a musical!
  Or
  Day 3 : King’s Cross Station → Harry Potter Studio Tour

Common Mistakes to Avoid in London

• Not booking attractions in advance.
• Trying to see too much in too little time.
• Skipping smaller neighborhoods in favor of only the big sights.

FAQs About Visiting London for a Weekend

• Is the Uber Boat included in transport passes?
  Yes, with certain travelcards and Oyster Pay-As-You-Go.
• How can I tour Buckingham Palace?
  Summer openings only - book via the Royal Collection Trust.
• Is Neal’s Yard worth visiting?
  Yes, especially for its colorful charm and nearby food hall.
• What’s the cheapest way to get city views?
  Drinks at a high-rise bar like SushiSamba instead of paying for observation decks.
• Do I need to book the British Museum in advance?
  Entry is free, but booking online saves you from waiting in potentially long queues.
• What’s the best time to visit the Tower of London to avoid crowds?
  Late afternoon visits, around 1-2 PM, often have fewer visitors than mornings.
• Can I walk between most major attractions in central London?
  Yes - many sights like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace are within walking distance of each other.
• Are London’s museums free?
  Many, including the British Museum and National Gallery, are free to enter, though donations are encouraged.
• What’s the easiest way to pay for transport in London?
  Contactless bank cards work on all public transport, often at the same rate as an Oyster Card.
• Is London safe for solo travelers?
  Yes, but as with any major city, stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

A weekend in London is the perfect mix of iconic and unexpected. From gliding down the Thames on the Uber Boat to sipping cocktails with skyline views, from Harry Potter landmarks to centuries-old chapels, the city rewards curiosity at every turn.
 

With a little planning and these insider tips, you’ll spend less time queuing and more time soaking up the magic.